I had the same exact issue. Did an alt-f2 and stopped mysql like you and the install continued.
-- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Server Team, which is subscribed to mysql-5.1 in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/885554 Title: mysql-server-5.1 Unpacking Halts 11.04-11.10 Server Upgrade To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/mysql-5.1/+bug/885554/+subscriptions -- Ubuntu-server-bugs mailing list Ubuntu-server-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-server-bugs